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Oral Co-supplementation with Pediococcus pentosaceus Probiotic and Enteric Polymeric Phycocyanin Nanoparticles Mitigates Aging-Related Biomarkers in Male Wistar Rats: A Preclinical Investigation

delete2026-08-13
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OA
AI
N
Nasser S. Flefil
A
Asmaa Ezzat
M
Marwa A. Abd El-Fattah
H
Hanan F. Aly
E
Eman A. Younis
T
Tarek N. Soliman
A
Asmaa Negm El-Dein *
DOI:10.1007/s12602-026-11159-8delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
C-phycocyanin (C-PC) is a promising anti-aging nutraceutical due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its instability under acidic conditions limits its efficacy, necessitating advanced formulation strategies. This study evaluated the anti-aging potential of novel enteric C-PC nanoparticles (NPs) co-delivered with Pediococcus pentosaceus in a D-galactose-induced aging model in male Wistar rats. C-PC was extracted from microalgal biomass and encapsulated into Eudragit® S100 nanoparticles. Particle size, encapsulation efficiency, zeta potential, pH-responsive release, and morphology were characterized. Aging was induced in male Wistar rats using D-galactose. Oxidative stress markers, neurotransmitters, acetylcholine metabolism, behavioral performance, and brain histopathology were assessed following treatment with C-PC nanoparticles with or without probiotic co-supplementation. C-PC was extracted from 2.5 g dry biomass with a yield of 31.02% and a purity ratio (A620/A280) of 0.704, then successfully encapsulated into Eudragit® S100 nanoparticles (211.4 ± 8.1 nm; encapsulation efficiency 63.7 ± 4.16%; zeta potential − 20.4 ± 3.7 mV) exhibiting pH-responsive release and uniform nanoscale morphology. D-galactose-induced aging markedly increased lipid peroxidation (MDA + 362.8%), depleted antioxidant defenses (GSH − 78.96%, TAC − 79.22%), reduced monoaminergic neurotransmitters (48.11–52.86%), decreased acetylcholine (− 66.12%), elevated acetylcholinesterase activity (+ 163.45%), impaired cognition and motor function (T-maze + 136%, beam balance + 69.6%), and caused severe brain histopathology. Treatment with C-PC nanoparticles, alone or combined with P. pentosaceus, significantly alleviated oxidative stress (MDA 112.2–196.4%, GSH 20.6–38.8%, TAC 42.9–50.7%), restored neurotransmitters (16–40.3%), improved cholinergic balance, enhanced behavioral performance, and preserved brain structure. These preclinical findings introduce C-PC nanoparticle–probiotic co-supplementation as a promising nutraceutical strategy against aging-associated neurodegeneration.
Keywords:
Phycocyanin
Pediococcus pentosaceus
Aging biomarkers
Oxidative stress
Inflammation

Journal

Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins cover
Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins
IF:
4.4
Papers:
751
Citations:
5.5K

Organization

F
food industries and nutrition research institute
Scholars:
13
Papers: 11
Citations: 0
N
national institute of oceanography and fisheries
Scholars:
118
Papers: 63
Citations: 0
F
faculty of pharmacy (girls)
Scholars:
8
Papers: 4
Citations: 0
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